Thailand to Tourists: Quit It With the Buddha Tattoos

Thailand's foreign tourists should be barred from getting Buddhist tattoos while visiting because the practice is culturally insensitive, says the country's culture ministry. Residents have complained that tattoo parlors are etching pictures of Buddha and other religious images onto the skin of non-Buddhist visitors across the country. Thailand is mostly Buddhist, and Buddha statues and images here are considered sacred objects of worship—but "foreigners see these tattoos as a fashion," says the cultural minister.

"They do not think of respecting religion, or they may not be aware" that it can be offensive. The culture ministry called on tattoo parlors nationwide to halt the activity, and provincial governors were asked to "inspect tattoo studios and seek their cooperation." The minister is also pushing for a law banning the practice, according to local media. (More Thailand stories.)